In a significant escalation of tensions between the United States and Venezuela, US forces have seized an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela. This operation marks a new level of pressure exerted by the Trump administration on the South American country’s leader, Nicolás Maduro. The seizure of the oil tanker has sparked a legal debate and international scrutiny, with experts and foreign governments seeking clarification on the operation’s legality and justification.
The US Attorney General, Pam Bondi, shared footage of the seizure, showing US forces landing on the tanker from a helicopter. Retired Admiral James Stavridis, former NATO allied supreme commander, praised the operation as “legal” and “flawless,” highlighting the Coast Guard’s execution without any casualties. However, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has demanded an explanation from the Trump administration regarding the seizure, emphasizing the need for transparency and respect for international norms.
The White House has confirmed its intention to seize the oil aboard the captured tanker, labeling it as a “sanctioned shadow” vessel associated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. This move comes amidst the Trump administration’s ongoing efforts to combat drug cartels and increase pressure on President Maduro’s regime. The operation has raised concerns about potential further seizures, as dozens of tankers carrying American-sanctioned oil are currently in Venezuelan waters or near its coast.
Legal experts, including retired Lt. Col. Rachel VanLandingham and CBS News contributor Sam Vinograd, have analyzed the operation’s legal authority. While some view the seizure as a necessary measure to address illicit activities, others question the operation’s adherence to international law and its potential implications for future maritime interventions.
As the White House holds a briefing to address the seizure and its implications, the international community closely monitors the situation. The seizure of the oil tanker near Venezuela underscores the complex geopolitical dynamics in the region and the broader implications of US foreign policy decisions.
**Political Bias Index:** Neutral
**References:**
1. The Guardian: [Trump news at a glance: Seizure of oil tanker marks new level of tensions between US and Venezuela](https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/dec/10/trump-news-at-a-glance-seizure-of-oil-tanker-marks-new-level-of-tensions-between-us-and-venezuela)
2. CBS News: [Analyzing the Trump administration’s legal authority to seize oil tanker near Venezuela](https://www.cbsnews.com/video/analyzing-the-trump-administration-legal-authority-to-seize-oil-tanker-near-venezuela/)
3. The Hill: [Former NATO commander: Venezuela oil tanker seizure ‘legal’ and ‘flawless’](https://thehill.com/policy/international/5644447-venezuela-oil-tanker-coast-guard-nato/)
4. The Hill: [Watch live: White House holds briefing after US seizes oil tanker near Venezuela](https://thehill.com/video-clips/5644388-watch-live-white-house-press-briefing-venezuela-oil-tanker/)
5. NBC News: [U.S. intends to seize oil from tanker captured near Venezuela, White House says](https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/politics-news/venezuela-oil-tanker-seized-rcna248678)
**Hashtags:** #NexSouk #AIForGood #EthicalAI #USVenezuela #OilTankerSeizure
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